High School Branch Program

Financial education is one of VyStar’s most important philanthropic initiatives, and we believe that it’s critical to begin that education early in life. By teaching young people the importance of saving, good credit and sound money management, we can set them up for future success. That’s why we give local high school students the opportunity to learn financial basics through our VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program.

VyStar works with local school districts to provide high school students with hands-on, real-world experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. The day-to-day operations of our high school branches are managed by a team of students under the supervision of their school’s career academy instructors.

We believe in financial education and the national, award-winning branch program is part of a comprehensive program to improve the financial literacy of students.

Learning New Professional and Life Skills

Students who participate get to experience the inner workings of key financial services like loans, credit cards, budgets and investment accounts. They learn marketable skills that help them in the workforce, and many participants have gone on to work for VyStar after graduating.

Participants learn how to use credit effectively and responsibly, as well as how to save and invest money. They also serve as mentors to their peers, sharing the important lessons they learn about money management. No matter what career paths they choose, the skills they build through the program remain with them throughout their lives.

An Award-Winning Program

Our VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program was recognized in February 2020 as the number one program in the nation for our asset size, and we were awarded the prestigious Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

The History and Future of the Program

VyStar introduced this program in 2006. Since then, we’ve provided over 2,200 paid internships and delivered financial education training to over 154,000 high school students throughout Northeast Florida. As of 2024, there are 19 high school branches in eight different school districts. Our goal is to continue expanding the program with school partners throughout the communities we serve.

In 2022, VyStar launched its High School Debit Card Give Back Program, which provides financial support to the 19 area high schools with VyStar branches when participating members complete financial transactions.

Each high school involved in the VyStar Academy of Business high School Branch Program has a unique co-branded debit card that features the school logo and is available to anyone with a VyStar personal checking account Through the Give Back Program, VyStar will donate 5 cents to the corresponding school for every purchase made with that school's debit card. Donations will be up to $10,000 per year for each school.

In 2022, VyStar launched its High School Debit Card Give Back Program.

Our High School Branches

We have branches at the following high schools throughout Northeast Florida:

  • Bartram Trail High School

  • Fleming Island High School

  • Pedro Menendez High School

  • Wolfson High School

  • Ribault High School

  • Orange Park High School

  • West Nassau High School

  • Middleburg High School

  • First Coast High School

  • Palatka High School

  • Matanzas High School

  • Fletcher High School

  • Mandarin High School

  • Yulee High School

  • Fernandina Beach High School

  • Clay High School

  • Bradford High School

  • Belleview High School

  • Riverside High School

Related Tools & Resources

Youth Checking Accounts

Accounts designed for teens, college students and young adults to get you started managing your finances.

Membership Benefits

Membership means more. Learn more about the benefits and discounts you’re entitled to as a VyStar member.

View Youth Financial Fitness

Get a free financial education with entertaining online courses about earning, borrowing, saving and more.